May I wish you a HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2012. And congratulations for being given a rare chance of a lifetime flying in an aerobatic aircraft during the recent LIMA. You're one of the few fortunate Malaysians given such an honour. I never had the opportunity to fly with those young and brave daredevil pilots when I was still in the service...Lucky you.

Just to let you know, I'm now embarking on a lonely struggle to convince the state governments to honour those unsung and forgotten heroes. My classification of heroes are those who are physically handicapped, eg, totally blinded, legless/armless, etc, etc, due to their sacrifice in defending the sovereignty of this nation during the counter-insurgency era. And also the recipients of KPK (KepujianPerutusanKeberanian). As you may be fully aware, KPKis one of the nation's 5 Gallantry Awards. However, unlike the others, ie, SP, PGB, JPP &PTU,KPK holders do not enjoy the benefit of the monthly 'ElaunKenangan'.

What I would like to see is that these heroes be given monetary incentives every 'HariPahlawan' on 31 July. I've started with the state of Kedah and Perak. Kedah allocated a budget for Raya bonus to the caddies of Royal Kedah Club (RKC) whilst Perak gave RM34k for the annual function of Ex-Servicemen Association conference held at Lumut on 1 December 2011. (Copies of the RKC bulletin and newspaper cutting are attached). I had sent an e-mail and a letter to the two states suggesting that they consider extending their generosity to the heroes as well. Regrettably, till today I'm yet to receive any response whatsoever.

I have no avenues to express my struggle other than writing to the agencies concerned. However, as an irrelevant and unknown rakyat, I don't think my letters receive the attention of the addressees. But, if it is highlighted in the mainstream newspapers, eg, NST especially from a popular columnist like you, I'm quite certain the relevant authorities might give some serious consideration.

I would really appreciate if you could consider touching a little on this subject matter in your coming article. Thank you.

Between you and every goal that you wish to achieve, there is a series of obstacles, and the bigger the goal, the bigger the obstacles. Your decision to be, have and do something out of the ordinary entails facing difficulties and challenges that are out of the ordinary as well. Your greatest asset is simply your ability to stay with it longer than anyone else. Go on with the good intention and great job Tn.Mejar. Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts. When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place. I'm definitely sure your fellow comrades and all the ex-servicemen concern are with you. More so, its united we stand, divided we fall. One fine day - this great deed and intention of yours would be made possible. Insyaallah.

p/s...i had these words from this ex UK PM - on behalf ;-D..."Tn Mejar Nor Ibrahim - "Never, never, never give up!" Sir Winston Churchill. I can count on you that you wouldn't!